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FIXTURES

Monday, January 28
Iran v Japan, Hazza bin Zayed Stadium (6pm)

Tuesday, January 29
UAEv Qatar, Mohamed Bin Zayed Stadium (6pm)

Friday, February 1
Final, Zayed Sports City Stadium (6pm)

Japan

Route to semi-final: Survived a scare in their Group F opener against underdogs Turkmenistan to eventually prevail 3-2, then required a Genki Haraguchi penalty to get past an obdurate Oman before a battling 2-1 victory against Uzbekistan saw them advance as group winners. A sturdy defensive display against Saudi Arabia in the last 16 secured a fourth successive one-goal victory – a run that continued against Vietnam in the quarter-finals once Ritsu Doan’s second-half penalty clinched a semi-final berth. Yet to truly convince.

Manager: Hajime Moriyasu – assistant to Akira Nishino before and at the 2018 World Cup before being promoted. Has had to deal with a host of injuries to key players, but has displayed tactical acumen throughout tournament.

Star man: Takehiro Tomiyasu – plying his trade in Belgium with Sint-Truiden, the centre-back's reputation continues to rise with some accomplished performances. Aged 20, he is one of Asia’s best defenders.

What wins it: Moriyasu’s tactical flexibility, despite a team in transition that lacks an elite striker. Technically proficient and, as the tournament’s only four-time winners, have pedigree.

Iran

Route to semi-final: Pre-tournament favourites, they began with a 5-0 victory against Yemen before defeating Vietnam 2-0 and then drawing with rivals Iraq in the group decider. The point was enough to secure top spot. Saw off Oman 2-0 in the last 16 thanks to two first-half goals, before providing arguably the tournament’s best performance, when they swept aside Marcello Lippi’s woeful China 3-0 in the quarters. Yet to concede a goal through five matches.

Manager: Carlos Queiroz – the highly respected Portuguese coach has been in charge since 2011, despite repeated clashes with his superiors and threats to stand down. Has allied a strong defence with stellar attacking talent.

Star man: Sardar Azmoun – the Rubin Kazan striker announced his international retirement following criticism surrounding a poor 2018 World Cup, but returned in October. Has four goals in this tournament.

What wins it: Delivering on their obvious prowess. Defensively sound, physically strong and disciplined, with a dangerous attack. Three-time winners, although last lifted trophy in 1976.

UAE

Route to semi-final: Opened the tournament with a draw against Bahrain, but went on to top Group A following a fortunate 2-0 win against India and a draw with Thailand. Were made to sweat against debutants Kyrgyzstan in the last 16, needing an extra-time penalty from Ahmed Khalil to scrape through 3-2. Improved greatly in the 1-0 victory in the quarter-final against defending champions Australia, nicking the match through Ali Mabkhout’s 68th-minute winner. A second successive semi-final appearance.

Manager: Alberto Zaccheroni – much-maligned throughout his 15-month reign and during the tournament's first four matches, but has earned plaudits for the display against Australia. Guided Japan to 2011 Asian Cup success.

Star man: Ali Mabkhout – not been the best tournament overall for the 2015 Golden Boot winner, but still has four goals in five matches. Strike against Australia sealed the UAE’s semi-final spot.

What wins it: Another gargantuan defensive display, with the endeavour and spirit shown in the semi-final. Surviving mounting injury list. Home support could prove key as well.

Manager: Felix Sanchez – the Spaniard has been based in Qatar for more than a decade, coaching at various age-group levels. Appointed to senior team in July 2017 and has put together a well-drilled side.

Star man: Almoez Ali – difficult to look past the tournament’s top scorer, although four of his seven goals came against North Korea and he has yet to find the net in the knockouts. A fast-developing forward, though.

What wins it: Maintain their defensive shape, ride momentum from their somewhat surprising run to the semis, and Assim Madibo and Abdelkarim Hassan in particular continue to excel.